An anonymous donor, described as a strong supporter of President Trump, has gifted $130 million to the Pentagon to help cover military salaries during the current government shutdown. This substantial donation comes as the shutdown, now in its 25th day, threatens to become the longest in US history, impacting federal workers and military paychecks.
President Trump revealed the donor’s identity remains confidential, stating the individual wishes to avoid publicity but is a “big supporter” and a US citizen. The Pentagon confirmed the donation’s acceptance, noting it falls within their gift acceptance authority and is earmarked specifically for service members’ pay and benefits.
The government shutdown, triggered by a deadlock over funding, has left many federal employees furloughed or working without pay. While the administration initially reallocated defense funds to ensure troops received pay, uncertainty loomed for the next payday on October 31st. Congress has yet to pass legislation to resolve the funding impasse.
This unprecedented donation, amounting to roughly $100 per service member, has sparked debate regarding ethical considerations. Critics, like Senator Chris Coons, have voiced concerns about the implications of accepting anonymous donations to fund military operations, questioning potential foreign influence or the blurring of lines between public service and private funding.
While the Pentagon occasionally accepts gifts, these are typically for specific projects like schools or libraries. The acceptance of such a large, anonymous sum for troop salaries is highly unusual and has prompted scrutiny from ethics officials, particularly concerning any potential claims or matters involving the donor and the Department of Defense.
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